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Lo Bianco G, Schatman ME. "The Italian Job": How Social, Family Cohesion, and the Church Have Helped Spare Italy from a Prescription Opioid Crisis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2939-2942. [PMID: 37664486 PMCID: PMC10473396 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s435218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Lo Bianco
- Anesthesiology and Pain Department, Fondazione Istituto “G. Giglio”, Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health - Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Piko BF. Adolescent Life Satisfaction: Association with Psychological, School-Related, Religious and Socially Supportive Factors. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1176. [PMID: 37508673 PMCID: PMC10378027 DOI: 10.3390/children10071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent life satisfaction is crucial to later adult health and well-being; therefore, searching for its correlates should receive priority in research. The aim of this study was to explore the role of psychological (depression, future orientation), school-related (school achievement, satisfaction with school), religious (going to church, importance of religion), socially supportive (family and friend support), other familial, and sociodemographic (age, sex, self-assessed socioeconomic status) factors in adolescent life satisfaction. This cross-sectional survey (entitled Szeged Youth Study 2022) involved a sample of middle and high school students (N = 2239, aged 11-18 years, 51.8% females) from public schools in Szeged, Hungary. Besides descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied to the data analyses. Boys scored higher on the life satisfaction scale (Satisfaction with Life Scale, SWLS), while the level of depression (Children's Depression Inventory, CDI) was higher among girls. In the final regression model, family support was the strongest predictor of life satisfaction (β = 0.44, p < 0.001), followed by depression (as a negative contributor), socioeconomic (SES) self-assessment, future orientation, satisfaction with school, going to church, and friend support. School prevention programs should be focused not only on preventing mental health difficulties but also promoting adolescent well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina F Piko
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
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Dudok R, Piko BF. Multi-Level Protective Factors of Adolescent Smoking and Drinking. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:932-947. [PMID: 37366775 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13060071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is the most critical life stage for experimentation with substance use; however, this is also the most suitable period for strengthening protective factors and thus promoting adult physical and mental health. Since smoking and drinking still appear among the most frequent types of substance abuse in Europe, this study aims to examine the role of potential protective factors at multiple levels for adolescent smoking and drinking: psychological factors at the individual level, aspects of school attachment at the school level, social support variables at the social level, and measures of quality of life at the level of mental health. This cross-sectional survey involved a sample of adolescents (aged 11-18 years, N = 276) in Budapest and villages in its metropolitan area (Hungary). In addition to descriptive statistics, logistic regression analyses were used to detect odds for potential protective factors. There were no sex differences in adolescents' substance use. Self-control seems to be a universal and most determining protective factor against substance use, while other potential protective factors (self-esteem, resilience, social support from family or significant others, school attachment, and mental well-being) may also contribute to prevention. However, age and friend support acted as risk factors. Findings suggest that a complex approach to prevention should receive consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réka Dudok
- Doctoral School of Education, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bettina F Piko
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Szeged, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
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Karki P, Rangaswamy M. A Review of Historical Context and Current Research on Cannabis Use in India. Indian J Psychol Med 2023; 45:105-116. [PMID: 36925496 PMCID: PMC10011848 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221109272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cultivation and use of cannabis is historically rooted in the Indian subcontinent and this rich heritage of cannabis use dates back to at least two thousand years. Cannabis remains an illicit substance in India despite its changing status globally with many countries legalizing cannabis use in recent years. Scientific research on cannabis use in India has also been sparse. Method Extensive search of online databases resulted in the identification of 29 original research studies pertaining to one of three areas of cannabis research; a) prevalence of cannabis use b) psychological correlates of cannabis use, c) cannabis use in substance use treatment settings. Findings We found that most Indian studies used very basic quantitative research designs and had poor scientific rigor. Samples were small, region specific and included only males. Data analyses were limited to descriptive methods. The criteria for cannabis use in most of the reviewed studies were not rigorous and prone to biases. Conclusion & Implications With changing attitudes and loosening of restrictions on cannabis use, the prevalence of new users is rising dramatically particularly in the college going population. This presents a strong need for research on motivations and attitudes to cannabis use and how those can influence patterns of use, and also the short- and long-term effects of use. More studies with stronger research designs (both cross sectional and longitudinal) are required for the study of cannabis use and this knowledge will be critical for managing the growing substance epidemic, generating public health solutions as well as formulating effective policy frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakat Karki
- Dept. of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhavi Rangaswamy
- Dept. of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Significant Others and Not Family or Friend Support Mediate Between Stigma and Discrimination Among People Living With HIV in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2023; 34:96-104. [PMID: 36198119 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Approximately 70% of the 37.7 million people living with HIV (PLWH) globally reside in sub-Saharan Africa and 10% of the global HIV burden is in Nigeria. PLWH encounter stigma and discrimination. Limited support from family, friends, and significant others increases stigma and discrimination among PLWH. This study sought to understand how support from family, friends, and significant others mediates stigma and discrimination in the Nigerian context. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 396 PLWH from six health facilities between June and July 2021 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Stigma, discrimination, and social support were assessed. On average, participants were 32 years of age and female. Increased social support was associated with reduced stigma and discrimination. Support from participants' significant others was found to mediate the relationship between stigma and discrimination.
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Stalgaitis CA, Jordan JW, Djakaria M, Saggese DJ, Bruce HR. Psychographic segmentation to identify higher-risk teen peer crowds for health communications: Validation of Virginia's Mindset Lens Survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:871864. [PMID: 35937230 PMCID: PMC9355138 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.871864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Audience segmentation is necessary in health communications to ensure equitable resource distribution. Peer crowds, which are macro-level teen subcultures, are effective psychographic segments for health communications because each crowd has unique mindsets, values, norms, and health behavior profiles. These mindsets affect behaviors, and can be used to develop targeted health communication campaigns to reach those in greatest need. Though peer crowd research is plentiful, no existing peer crowd measurement tool has been formally validated. As such, we developed and validated Virginia's Mindset Lens Survey (V-MLS), a mindset-based teen peer crowd segmentation survey to support health communication efforts. Using an online convenience sample of teens (N = 1,113), we assessed convergent and discriminant validity by comparing the V-MLS against an existing, widely-used peer crowd survey (I-Base Survey®) utilizing a multi-trait multi-method matrix. We also examined the V-MLS's predictive ability through a series of regressions using peer crowd scores to predict behaviors, experiences, and traits relevant to health communication campaign planning. The V-MLS demonstrated reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, the V-MLS effectively distinguished teen peer crowds with unique health behaviors, experiences, and personal traits. When combined with appropriate information processing and campaign development frameworks, this new tool can complement existing instruments to inform message framing, tone, and style for campaigns that target at-risk teens to increase campaign equity and reach.
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Mills R, Mann MJ, Smith ML, Kristjansson AL. Parental support and monitoring as associated with adolescent alcohol and tobacco use by gender and age. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2000. [PMID: 34736436 PMCID: PMC8567647 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental support (PS) and parental monitoring (PM) are known protective factors against adolescent substance use (SU). However, little is known about whether PS and PM may affect SU outcomes differently by gender and age. This study examined the relationship between PS and PM and adolescent SU, specifically alcohol and tobacco use, stratified by gender and age group. METHODS Middle and high school students (n = 2351, 48.5% Female) completed surveys of self-reported SU, perceived PS and PM, and socioeconomic background. Age group was defined dichotomously as grade 7-8 Middle school and grade 9-10 High school students. PS and PM were each measured using previously validated tools. SU was measured by lifetime and past 30 days cigarette/alcohol use. One-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression models were completed. Odds ratios and means were reported. RESULTS PS and PM were significantly and negatively related to all outcome variables regardless of gender and age group. Mean differences in PS and PM were insignificant between age groups. Between genders, PM scores were significantly higher for girls (14.05) compared to boys (13.48) (p < 0.01). Odds Ratios of all four SU types (for alcohol and tobacco use) increased with higher age group, with ORs ranging from 1.45-2.61 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS PS and PM were protective against SU for all participants, consistent with previous literature. Girls reported greater parental monitoring than boys, irrespective of age-group. While girls experienced higher levels of monitoring, they did not report lower SU than boys. This suggests that monitoring girls more closely than boys appears unnecessary in preventing adolescent SU. Finally, PS was a more significant factor in preventing SU for older adolescents (high school aged group) than for younger adolescents, irrespective of gender suggesting that PS may be more impactful and important as adolescents age. As children mature, particularly from middle school to high school, PS may play a larger role in preventing SU for older adolescents compared to younger ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Mills
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA.
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Scarinci IC, Garcés-Palacio IC. Engagement in Tobacco Use Prompting During Childhood or Adolescence and Its Association with Tobacco Use in Adulthood among Colombian Women. Tob Use Insights 2020; 13:1179173X20949265. [PMID: 32874094 PMCID: PMC7436801 DOI: 10.1177/1179173x20949265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most tobacco users initiate this behavior before the age of 18, little is known about engaging in tobacco use prompting behaviors (TPBs) during childhood/adolescence and tobacco use in adulthood, particularly among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The purpose of this study was to examine engagement in TPBs during childhood or adolescence and tobacco use in adulthood among Colombian women and whether or not current/past tobacco users who were engaged in TPBs during their childhood or adolescence had more odds of engaging other children or adolescents in these behaviors as adults. There were 4262 adult women who were recruited and completed an interviewer-administered survey through a door-to-door approach across the 9 regions of Antioquia, Colombia using a multi-stage probabilistic sampling. TPBs were defined as someone being asked to: (1) empty an ashtray, (2) buy cigarettes, (3) put the cigarette in their mouth and light it, (4) light a cigarette without putting it in their mouth, or (5) smoke with the adult during childhood or adolescence. We conducted bivariate regression logistic models where variables with a P < .25 were included in a parsimonious model. Approximately 40% of participants (41%) reported engaging in TPBs in childhood or adolescence. Buying cigarettes, lighting cigarettes with their mouth, and smoking with an adult were significantly associated with tobacco use in adulthood. Current/past tobacco users who reported being engaged in TPBs during childhood or adolescence (except for smoking with an adult) had higher odds of prompting these behaviors as adults. TPBs during childhood or adolescence are relevant contributors to tobacco use in adulthood among Colombian women.
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Mo PKH, Li JB, Jiang H, Lau JTF. Problematic Internet Use and Smoking among Chinese Junior Secondary Students: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptomatology and Family Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E5053. [PMID: 31835828 PMCID: PMC6950625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Internet use is significant public health issue and can be a risk factor for other addictive behaviors, such as smoking. The present study examined the association between problematic Internet use (PIU) (i.e., Internet addiction (IA) and social networking addiction (SNA)) and smoking, and the mediating role of depressive symptomatology and family support played in such associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5182 junior secondary students (grade 7 and 8) recruited from nine schools using stratified sampling. Results: A total of 3.6% of students had smoked in the past month, and 6.4% of students were identified as IA cases. Adjusted for significant background variables, PIU (ORa = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.48, 2.90 for IA, ORa = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.47 for SNA), and probable depression (ORa = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.69) were significant risk factors, while family support (ORa = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77, 0.94) was a significant protective factor of smoking. The mediation effects of lower family support and probable depression on the association between score on IA scale and smoking, and the mediation effect of lower family support on the association between score on SNA scale and smoking were significant, while the mediation effect of probable depression on the association between score on SNA scale and smoking was marginally significant. Conclusions: PIU contributed to an increased risk of smoking through depressive symptomatology and decreasing family support among junior school students. Interventions to reduce smoking are warranted; they should seek to reduce problematic Internet use and depressive symptomatology, and promote family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoenix Kit-han Mo
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (P.K.-h.M.); (H.J.)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Ji-Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China;
| | - Hui Jiang
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (P.K.-h.M.); (H.J.)
| | - Joseph T. F. Lau
- Center for Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (P.K.-h.M.); (H.J.)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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